Ukraine (UA)
EU-candidate country with a resilient tech sector, very low day-to-day costs by European standards, rich culture, and a 2026 expat experience shaped by martial law, air alerts, reconstruction, and fast-moving rules.
Capital: Kyiv
Region: Europe
Language: Ukrainian
Currency: UAH (UAH)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 25)
Emergency: 112
Premium
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Ukraine.
🏠
Permanent Residency
Name
Immigration Permit (Дозвіл на імміграцію)
Eligibility
Ukraine uses an immigration permit system for permanent-residency equivalent status. Qualifying categories include: close family members (spouse, parents, adult children) of Ukrainian citizens; investors in the Ukrainian economy; highly qualified specialists; persons of Ukrainian origin (ethnic Ukrainians and their descendants); foreign nationals who have resided lawfully in Ukraine for 5 or more continuous years; and persons who rendered special services to Ukraine. The administrative fee for the immigration permit service is approximately UAH 1,664 (2026).
Duration
Permanent status once the immigration permit is issued and the permanent residence card (посвідка на постійне проживання) is obtained
Requirements
- ✓Qualifying ground: family connection, investment, professional qualification, Ukrainian origin, or 5+ years of continuous lawful residence
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Evidence of legal stay in Ukraine throughout the qualifying period
- ✓Registered address in Ukraine (propiska)
- ✓Supporting civil documents (apostilled and certified Ukrainian translations)
- ✓Biometric photographs and fee payment
- ✓Application to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (DMSU)
Ordinary foreigners can still apply for residence permits and immigration permits in Ukraine during the ongoing war — no wartime suspension of immigration processing has been formally announced. Processing times and administrative capacity may be affected by the wartime environment. Use only official DMSU channels; scams targeting people seeking Ukrainian documents have been reported.
🪪
Citizenship
Name
Ukrainian Citizenship by Naturalisation
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have resided lawfully in Ukraine for at least 5 continuous years (3 years for recognised refugees and stateless persons) may apply for citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must pass Ukrainian language and knowledge of the Ukrainian Constitution tests, demonstrate stable lawful income, and comply with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine on Citizenship. Law 4502-IX effective 16 January 2026 formally legalised dual citizenship — initially for citizens of 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic), then expanded to 33 countries on 8 May 2026, covering essentially all EU, NATO, and EEA Western allies. Citizens of Russia are explicitly excluded. Citizens of approved countries may now naturalise in Ukraine without renouncing their original nationality.
Duration
Permanent Ukrainian citizenship once granted by Presidential Decree
Requirements
- ✓5 continuous years of lawful residence in Ukraine (3 years for refugees and stateless persons)
- ✓Ukrainian language proficiency test
- ✓Knowledge of the Constitution of Ukraine test
- ✓Stable and lawful income
- ✓Clean criminal record in Ukraine and home country
- ✓Renunciation of prior citizenship NOT required for citizens of the 33 approved countries under Law 4502-IX (January 2026)
- ✓Citizens of Russia: explicitly excluded from the dual citizenship provisions — renunciation required
- ✓Application submitted through the DMSU
Law 4502-IX (effective 16 January 2026) is a landmark reform: dual citizenship is now formally permitted. The initial approved list of 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic) was expanded on 8 May 2026 to 33, adding: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Russia is explicitly excluded. Citizens of non-approved countries seeking Ukrainian citizenship must still renounce their prior nationality. Citizenship is granted by Presidential Decree — the process is discretionary even when statutory requirements are met.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Citizenship for Persons of Ukrainian Origin
Eligibility
Persons of Ukrainian ethnic origin — including ethnic Ukrainians who hold foreign citizenship and their descendants — may have a facilitated path to both immigration permits and citizenship. Ukrainian origin is documented through birth certificates, national records or cultural-community attestations showing Ukrainian ancestry.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent citizenship once granted
Requirements
- ✓Documentary evidence of Ukrainian ethnic origin or ancestry (birth certificates, church records, historical documents)
- ✓The document chain must be apostilled and certified Ukrainian translations provided
- ✓Ukrainian language proficiency (or evidence of Ukrainian cultural heritage)
- ✓Application to DMSU with relevant documentation
Document chain quality is decisive. Many diaspora Ukrainians from Canada, the USA, Australia, and across Eastern Europe have successfully obtained Ukrainian immigration permits and citizenship through this route. The 2026 dual citizenship law removes the renunciation requirement for citizens of approved countries.
Military Service Route (Foreign Contract Soldiers)
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have served or are serving under a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the defence of Ukraine have specific immigration document provisions. Military service creates a qualifying basis for residence permits and can accelerate the path to citizenship under special provisions.
Duration / Outcome
Residence permit tied to service contract plus a statutory additional period after service
Requirements
- ✓Valid military service contract or proof of service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Application to DMSU through official channels
Use only official Ukrainian military and migration service channels. Scams targeting people claiming to offer Ukrainian documents or citizenship in exchange for military service have been widely reported. Confirm eligibility directly with the DMSU or a verified Ukrainian immigration lawyer.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
✓
Dual citizenship is allowed — Law 4502-IX (effective 16 January 2026) formally legalised multiple citizenship in Ukraine. The approved country list started at 5 (USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic) and was expanded on 8 May 2026 to 33 countries covering essentially all EU, NATO, and EEA Western allies — including UK, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, and others. Russia is explicitly excluded. Citizens of approved countries who naturalise as Ukrainian do not need to renounce their original nationality. Citizens of non-approved countries still face renunciation requirements. Ukrainian citizens who acquire citizenship of an approved country also retain their Ukrainian citizenship without penalty. Verify the current approved list at dmsu.gov.ua or with a Ukrainian immigration lawyer before proceeding.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Unlock the complete Citizenship & Permanent Residency guide for Ukraine — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere